Tucson’s Southwest Style

There are many Southwest art and architectural styles in Tucson [1], from Spanish realism to Spanish revival, pueblo chic to adobe row house, mission revival to railroad hacienda, to dryland art nouveau:

The top draw, of course, is the “white dove of the desert,” San Xavier del Bac [2], a mission that dates back to the 1600s. A bit south of San Xavier, the half-ruin Mission Tumacácori awaits at Tumacácori National Historical Park [3].

Take a look around the elegant old hotels from the golden age of Southwestern tourism, such as the Arizona Inn [4] and Hacienda del Sol [5].

Two churches warrant a look: St. Augustine Cathedral [6], a Spanish revival church that puts on a mariachi mass every Sunday; and the Josias Joesler–designed, Mexican-influenced St. Philip’s in the Hills Episcopal Church [7].

Several buildings on the University of Arizona [8] campus reflect both revival and territorial styles.

To really get an idea about the various styles that influence Tucson [1], visit the Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block [9].

Lovers of Western art should visit the galleries in the foothills around the intersection of Campbell and Skyline. The most essential gallery in town for Southwestern art lovers is the Eric Firestone Gallery [10], housed in a Joesler-designed adobe.